Planning for the long-term care of a beloved pet is an important part of any estate plan. A pet trust lets you provide legally enforceable instructions and financial support for your animal’s care after you can no longer look after them. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we help Claremont residents create clear, durable arrangements that name caregivers, set aside funds, and spell out routines and medical preferences. Whether you own a dog, cat, or another companion animal, putting a plan in place reduces the chance your pet will be placed in a shelter and helps ensure continuity of care.
A pet trust works alongside other estate planning documents such as a last will and testament, revocable living trust, financial power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, and guardianship nominations. It can be tailored to address feeding schedules, veterinary routines, grooming, boarding preferences, and long-term medical needs. Funding can be arranged through bank accounts, life insurance, retirement plan designations, or a pour-over will that transfers assets to a trust after death. Clear documentation gives caregivers and trustees a roadmap to follow, lowering stress for everyone involved and helping safeguard your pet’s health and happiness.
A pet trust does more than name a caregiver; it creates a legal mechanism to ensure financial support and enforceable care instructions tailored to your companion’s needs. By establishing a trust, you can allocate funds specifically for food, medication, grooming, boarding, and veterinary appointments, and you can designate a trustee to oversee disbursements. This planning reduces uncertainty and the likelihood that a pet will face upheaval if circumstances change. Pet trusts also allow for successor caregivers, written care plans, and defined contingencies, which together preserve the pet’s routine and well-being and give owners peace of mind about their animal’s future.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provide practical estate planning services for California residents, combining careful document drafting with a client-focused approach. Serving clients from San Jose to communities across Los Angeles County, our firm concentrates on clear, enforceable plans that reflect each client’s personal values and family dynamics, including the care of companion animals. We work closely with clients to understand day-to-day routines, veterinary needs, and financial preferences so the resulting pet trust fits into a broader estate plan. Our goal is to make the process accessible and to deliver documents that function predictably when they are needed most.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that holds money and instructions for the care of an animal. Key roles include the settlor who creates the trust, the trustee who manages funds, and the caregiver who provides daily care. Unlike leaving money informally to a friend, a pet trust creates enforceable duties and procedures for using funds. In California, pet trusts are recognized by statute, which helps ensure courts will uphold the settlor’s intent. Thoughtful drafting addresses items like successor caregivers, veterinary authorization, and contingencies in the event a named caregiver cannot fulfill their role.
Mechanically, a pet trust is funded and administered according to the terms you set. You can fund it directly with liquid assets, designate life insurance or retirement benefits to provide funding, or use a pour-over will to move assets into an existing trust after death. The trustee disburses funds to the caregiver for agreed expenses and may be required to provide periodic accounting. Clear instructions about diet, exercise, socialization, and veterinary consent reduce disputes and help caregivers follow your wishes. Regular reviews keep the trust aligned with changes in your pet’s health or your circumstances.
A pet trust is a dedicated trust arrangement where assets are held for the benefit of a companion animal with specific directions from the owner. It is distinct from a standard family trust because the beneficiary is an animal and the trust includes detailed care instructions. Trust documents identify who will care for the pet, who will manage the funds, and how money may be used. The trust can include provisions for emergency veterinary care, long-term housing, and funeral arrangements. Clear, thorough drafting anticipates foreseeable issues and creates a structure that caregivers and trustees can follow confidently.
Creating a pet trust involves several practical steps: choosing a caregiver and trustee, deciding on funding sources, drafting specific care instructions, and executing the trust document with any supporting wills or transfer forms. You should name alternates for caregiver and trustee, outline permitted expenses, and state how remaining funds should be handled if the pet predeceases the trust. The process usually begins with a discussion of goals and the animal’s needs, followed by document drafting, signature formalities, and funding or coordination with other estate documents to ensure assets flow into the trust as intended.
Understanding common terms helps when planning a pet trust. Words like trustee, settlor, caregiver, beneficiary, funding, and pour-over will appear frequently in documents and conversations. Knowing what each term means and how it affects the roles and responsibilities in your plan makes decision-making easier. This glossary-style overview clarifies who manages money, who provides daily care, which documents transfer assets, and what kinds of contingencies to include. A clear vocabulary reduces miscommunication and supports the creation of precise, enforceable instructions for your pet’s lifetime care.
A trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing the trust assets and disbursing funds according to the terms you set. The trustee must balance the pet’s needs with the available funds, keep records of spending, and follow any reporting requirements outlined in the trust. Trustees can be individuals you trust, a professional fiduciary, or a corporate trustee in some circumstances. Selecting a trustee who communicates well with the caregiver and understands the trust’s purpose helps ensure funds are used appropriately and that your companion receives the intended standard of care.
The caregiver is the person who will provide day-to-day care for the pet — feeding, exercise, grooming, and veterinarian visits. This role is distinct from the trustee, though one person can serve both functions if desired. The caregiver should be willing to follow written instructions, comply with veterinary recommendations, and coordinate with the trustee on expense reimbursement. Naming an alternate caregiver and providing clear behavioral and medical notes helps the substitution process run smoothly if unforeseen events prevent the primary caregiver from taking the animal.
In a pet trust, the beneficiary is the animal for whose care the trust was created. Because animals cannot hold property directly, the trust exists to ensure funds are used for the pet’s benefit in line with the owner’s instructions. Terms should specify the types of care and services permitted, how funds should be prioritized, and what happens if the pet dies before trust funds are exhausted. Clear beneficiary designation and purpose language guide trustees and caregivers in making decisions consistent with the owner’s stated goals for the animal.
Funding a pet trust can be accomplished in several ways, including direct funding with cash or accounts, life insurance proceeds, payable-on-death accounts, or retirement plan designations. Another common method is a pour-over will that transfers assets into an existing trust upon death. Proper funding ensures the trustee has the resources to honor care instructions and cover medical or boarding expenses. Thoughtful planning addresses liquidity for routine expenses as well as contingencies such as major veterinary care or relocation of the caregiver.
When deciding how to plan for a pet’s care, consider the differences between a pet trust, leaving money in a will, and informal caregiver agreements. A trust offers enforceability and ongoing oversight, while a will provision may provide money but lacks the same mechanisms for management and enforcement. Informal arrangements may work for short-term needs but offer less protection if relationships change. A trustee can safeguard funds, ensure proper disbursement, and require accountability, making a trust a more reliable way to carry out detailed, long-term instructions for companion animals.
A limited approach, such as naming a caregiver in your will or providing an informal written agreement, may be appropriate if your pet requires only short-term care or minimal financial support. For animals with low veterinary needs and reliable local family or friends willing to assume responsibility, a straightforward arrangement can minimize complexity and expense. However, even in these situations, documenting basic instructions and contact information reduces confusion. Consider this option when your primary concern is finding someone to take immediate responsibility rather than managing ongoing funds.
If you have close family or friends who have agreed to care for your pet and you trust them to manage modest expenses, a limited plan may be sufficient. This approach works best when the caregiver lives nearby, understands the animal’s routine, and is comfortable coordinating any necessary veterinary care. Even with trusted caregivers, providing written instructions and a small allocation of funds is recommended. A limited approach trades formal legal mechanisms for simplicity, but it depends on reliable personal relationships and clear communication to work well for your pet.
A comprehensive pet trust provides long-term stability by combining clear instructions with dedicated funding and oversight. When pets require ongoing medical attention, specialized diets, or periodic boarding, a trust ensures funds are available and a trustee oversees appropriate spending. This arrangement reduces the burden on caregivers who might otherwise face challenging decisions about costly procedures. A formal trust establishes reporting, alternate caregivers, and guidance for unforeseen situations, which helps maintain continuity of care without leaving critical decisions to chance.
Pets with chronic medical conditions, behavioral issues, or specialized care routines benefit from a comprehensive plan that anticipates future needs. Detailed care instructions, funding for long-term treatments, and designated decision-makers help ensure consistent treatment approaches and reduce disputes. For animals that require frequent veterinary visits or specialized diets, having formal mechanisms in place eases transitions and provides financial safeguards. When the stakes are higher, a well-drafted trust protects both the animal and the caregiver by clearly allocating responsibility and resources.
A comprehensive approach to pet planning integrates funding, caregiving direction, and legal mechanisms to ensure consistent care. This reduces uncertainty by specifying who is responsible, how funds may be used, and what to do in emergencies. It also helps avoid family disputes by making intentions explicit and enforceable. The combination of a trustee to manage resources and a caregiver to provide daily attention creates a system of checks and balances that increases the likelihood your wishes for the pet’s quality of life will be honored.
Additionally, a comprehensive plan aligns the pet trust with other estate documents such as pour-over wills, revocable living trusts, and healthcare directives so assets are coordinated efficiently. This reduces administrative delays and provides clarity to courts and service providers. The ability to tailor instructions for boarding, travel, emergency care, and end-of-life preferences gives owners control over outcomes. Comprehensive planning provides comfort that arrangements are durable and actionable when they are needed most, protecting both the animal’s welfare and the caregiver’s ability to carry out the plan.
One key benefit of a comprehensive pet trust is the creation of a dedicated pool of resources earmarked specifically for the animal’s care. This ensures funds are available for regular veterinary visits, medications, emergency procedures, grooming, and boarding. A trustee manages disbursements and may require receipts or reports to verify appropriate use of funds. That oversight helps prevent misuse and reassures owners that their wishes will guide spending decisions. Financial security within a trust also reduces out-of-pocket burdens on caregivers and supports consistent standards of care over time.
Detailed care instructions help caregivers make informed decisions that reflect the owner’s values and the pet’s needs. By documenting feeding regimens, exercise habits, medication schedules, and veterinary contacts, a trust reduces ambiguity and the likelihood of disagreement among family members. Successor caregiver designations and contingency plans further minimize disruption if the primary caregiver cannot continue. Clear, written guidance eases the emotional burden on those taking responsibility for a pet and improves the pet’s chance of maintaining familiar routines and treatment approaches.
Selecting the right caregiver and trustee is fundamental to the success of a pet trust. Look for someone who understands your pet’s personality, daily routines, and medical requirements, and who is willing to accept the responsibilities involved. Discuss compensation, travel logistics, and emergency procedures up front, and name one or more alternates in case the primary caregiver becomes unavailable. Balanced choices between a caregiver who will provide daily hands-on care and a trustee who will manage funds and oversight give the arrangement a practical structure that is easier to implement when needed.
Make sure the trust has sufficient liquidity to cover both routine and emergency expenses. Funding options include direct transfers of cash or accounts, life insurance proceeds directed to the trust, and retirement plan designations. A pour-over will can move assets into the trust after death if direct funding is not possible during life. Consider setting aside a cushion for unexpected veterinary treatments and review funding levels periodically as costs change. Coordinating funding with the trustee ahead of time prevents delays when funds are needed for urgent care.
Including a pet trust in your estate plan protects your companion by ensuring both care and funds are in place if you are no longer available. This kind of planning reduces the risk of a pet being placed in a shelter or experiencing interruptions in care. Pet trusts also provide clarity and accountability, directing resources specifically for the pet’s benefit and appointing fiduciaries to oversee those funds. For owners who view their animals as family members, a pet trust offers a structured way to honor ongoing responsibilities and preserve established routines.
Beyond the immediate welfare of the animal, a pet trust can ease emotional strain on loved ones by removing uncertainty about who should care for the pet and how expenses should be covered. By defining roles, naming alternates, and spelling out allowable expenses, you reduce the likelihood of conflict and make transitions smoother. Additionally, integrating a pet trust with other estate documents prevents administrative gaps and helps ensure funds are available promptly when caregiver arrangements must begin.
Common reasons owners create pet trusts include planning for long-term absence, ensuring funding for chronic medical conditions, designating reliable caregivers, and avoiding strain on family members who may not be able to cover pet expenses. Life changes such as relocation, increasing medical needs of the owner, or the prospect of incapacity often prompt planning. Pet trusts are also helpful for owners without close family nearby or for those who want to guarantee a consistent standard of care beyond informal promises.
If you anticipate periods away from home, potential incapacity, or long-term changes in your ability to care for a pet, a trust ensures continuity of care. The trust can appoint a caregiver and provide funds immediately when owner incapacity or death occurs, avoiding delays that could stress the animal. By planning in advance, you create a predictable path for caregivers and trustees to follow, which reduces emergency decision-making and supports the pet’s stability during transitions.
When a pet requires ongoing veterinary treatment, medication, or special behavioral management, a trust helps guarantee that necessary resources and instructions are available. The trust can specify allowable treatments, reimbursement procedures for the caregiver, and preferred veterinary providers. This clarity benefits both the pet and those who take over care, ensuring that chronic conditions are treated consistently and that caregivers are not left covering substantial out-of-pocket costs on their own.
For owners who do not have family or close friends nearby to assume care, creating a pet trust is a practical safeguard. The arrangement allows you to identify trusted local caregivers or facilities, provide funds for long-term boarding if needed, and set standards for care that remote family members can rely on. Having a formal plan reduces the risk that a beloved animal will face uncertain outcomes and ensures that regional care options are coordinated in advance.
We are available to help Claremont pet owners develop clear, enforceable arrangements for companion animals. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman guide clients through caregiver selection, trust funding, and drafting precise care instructions so transitions are as smooth as possible. Our team coordinates pet trust provisions with other estate planning documents and answers questions about funding options like life insurance, retirement plans, or pour-over wills. To discuss arranging a pet trust tailored to your animal’s needs, contact our office at 408-528-2827 and we will outline practical next steps.
Clients trust the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman because of our practical approach to estate planning and clear communication. We focus on understanding the unique needs of each client and their companion animals, translating those needs into specific, enforceable documents. Our work emphasizes sensible funding strategies, realistic caregiver arrangements, and plain-language instructions so that trustees and caregivers can act confidently. We strive to make the planning process straightforward and to deliver documents that function effectively in real-world situations.
Our firm assists with coordinating multiple estate planning elements so your pet trust operates alongside a last will and testament, revocable living trust, powers of attorney, HIPAA authorization, and other supporting documents. This integrated approach helps avoid gaps where intended funds or instructions could be delayed. We also recommend contingencies and alternate caregivers to address unexpected changes, keeping the focus on predictable, compassionate outcomes for the animal and convenient administration for the caregiver and trustee.
Throughout the process we emphasize transparency about fees, timelines, and practical considerations such as funding methods and trustee responsibilities. By preparing thorough documentation and advising on funding choices, we help reduce the emotional and administrative burdens on family members who may be called upon to care for a pet. If you would like to review options for a pour-over will, life insurance designation, or direct trust funding, we can explain the advantages of each approach in a way that fits your goals and financial situation.
Our process begins with a thorough discussion of your pet’s daily routine, medical history, and your goals for long-term care. From there we draft a trust tailored to those needs, coordinate funding mechanisms, and prepare supporting documents like pour-over wills and powers of attorney. After execution, we provide guidance on transferring funds and maintaining up-to-date records. Periodic reviews ensure the trust remains aligned with changing circumstances, such as new veterinary needs or changes in caregivers, keeping the plan practical and actionable when it matters most.
The first step is a detailed conversation to gather information about the pet, preferred caregiver options, medical needs, and your funding intentions. We will review existing estate documents and discuss whether to use direct funding, life insurance, retirement plan designations, or a pour-over will. This meeting helps identify potential complications and clarifies priorities so the trust can be drafted to reflect realistic, enforceable care plans. Documentation gathered at this stage — records, vet contacts, and beneficiary designations — streamlines later drafting and funding tasks.
We ask for specifics about daily feeding schedules, medication regimens, exercise preferences, behavioral tendencies, and veterinary providers. This level of detail allows the trust to include practical instructions that caregivers can follow with confidence. Providing recent medical records, vaccination history, and written preferences for emergency care reduces ambiguity and helps trustees approve appropriate expenditures promptly. Clear guidance up front makes transitions smoother and helps protect the pet’s routine and comfort during any change in ownership of care responsibilities.
We discuss potential caregivers and trustees, recommend naming alternates, and review the responsibilities each role entails. Conversations with chosen individuals help confirm willingness to serve and practical concerns such as distance, availability, and financial arrangements. Identifying backup options prevents disruption if the primary caregiver cannot follow through. By clarifying these roles early in the process, documents can reflect real-world capabilities and reduce the chance of unexpected gaps in care or administration when the trust becomes operative.
In the drafting stage we prepare the trust instrument with precise instructions, naming of caregiver and trustee, funding instructions, and contingency plans. We also prepare complementary documents such as a pour-over will, certification of trust if needed, and HIPAA authorization to facilitate medical decisions for the owner if incapacity is a concern. If life insurance or retirement accounts will fund the trust, we assist with beneficiary designations and coordination so the intended assets transfer smoothly when they are needed.
The trust document will include the pet’s identifying information, detailed care instructions, trustee powers and duties, caregiver reimbursement procedures, and instructions for leftover funds. Supporting wills, such as a pour-over will, ensure any assets not initially transferred into the trust are routed there after death. Drafting emphasizes clarity to minimize later disputes and includes alternates for both caregiver and trustee. Properly executed documents establish the legal framework for administration and enforcement.
Funding coordination includes transferring bank accounts, updating beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement plans, and advising on titling of assets so funds are available when required. We recommend practical funding levels and provide guidance about liquidity for immediate expenses. If using a pour-over will, we explain probate implications and timing. Taking care of funding details in advance reduces the risk of delays when caregiver responsibilities must begin and ensures the trustee can act quickly to support the pet’s needs.
After documents are executed, we assist with transferring funds and providing copies to the trustee and caregiver as appropriate. Implementation includes ensuring the trustee understands reporting expectations and that the caregiver has necessary records. We encourage periodic review of the trust to reflect changes in your pet’s health, caregiver availability, or financial circumstances. Regular updates help maintain relevance and enforceability, so the plan remains ready to protect your pet regardless of how circumstances evolve over time.
Execution requires signing the trust and any related wills or funding forms according to legal formalities. Once signed, transferring funds and updating beneficiary designations ensures resources are in place. We guide trustees on establishing appropriate accounts or payment mechanisms and on documenting disbursements. Clear records and initial funding provide immediate capacity for caregivers to meet the pet’s needs without delay, and they help trustees manage the trust responsibly while following the settlor’s instructions.
Circumstances change: pets age, medical needs evolve, caregivers move or become unavailable, and financial situations shift. We recommend reviewing the trust at regular intervals or after major life events to update funding levels, appoint new caregivers or trustees, and revise care instructions. Keeping the plan current reduces surprises and preserves the intended standard of care. Proactive adjustments help ensure the trust continues to function as intended and that the pet’s welfare is maintained over time.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that holds money and directions for the care of a companion animal. The trust names a trustee to manage funds and a caregiver to provide day-to-day care, while the trust instrument specifies allowable expenses, medical instructions, and contingency plans. Because animals cannot own property directly, a trust ensures that funds are used for the pet’s benefit and creates enforceable duties to follow your stated wishes. Pet trusts operate alongside other estate documents and can be funded during life or after death through life insurance, retirement account designations, bank transfers, or a pour-over will. Trustees disburse funds to caregivers according to the trust’s terms and may be required to provide accounting. Well-drafted trusts include successor caregivers and trustees, emergency contact information, and detailed care instructions to guide those tasked with implementing the plan.
Funding options include direct transfer of cash or accounts into the trust, naming the trust as beneficiary of a life insurance policy, directing retirement plan benefits to the trust, or using a pour-over will to move assets into the trust after probate. Each method has practical considerations: direct funding provides immediate liquidity, life insurance can provide a large lump sum, and a pour-over will can ensure assets flow into a trust even if not transferred during life. Choosing the right method depends on liquidity needs, tax considerations, and the timing when funds must be available. Coordinating funding with beneficiary designations and titling of accounts is important to avoid delays. We recommend planning so the trustee has access to funds promptly for veterinary care and routine expenses without relying solely on probate transfers.
Name a caregiver who is willing and able to provide daily hands-on care and a trustee who will manage the financial aspects and oversight. Sometimes one person can serve both roles, but separating the functions can provide checks and balances. Consider proximity, availability, willingness to follow written instructions, and the financial or physical capacity to care for the pet over the long term. Always name alternates for both caregiver and trustee in case your primary choices become unavailable. Discuss your plans with the people you name to confirm their willingness to serve and to communicate expectations about compensation, veterinary decisions, and any lifestyle considerations. Clear communication reduces the chance of surprises and makes transitions smoother when responsibilities shift.
A well-drafted pet trust includes contingency plans naming alternate caregivers and trustees so the arrangement continues if the primary caregiver cannot assume care. The trust should outline steps for locating the next designated caregiver and any procedures for temporary care or boarding while a permanent solution is arranged. Naming alternates and providing contact information helps expedite transitions and prevents periods where the animal’s care is uncertain. If no named alternates are available, the trustee may have authority under the trust to select a suitable caregiver and authorize funds for boarding or veterinary care. That authority allows the trustee to act in the pet’s best interest and to use trust funds for necessary arrangements, reducing the risk the animal will be placed in a shelter or otherwise face uncertain outcomes.
You can leave money in your will for a pet, but wills lack some of the practical mechanisms a trust provides. A will-based provision does not provide ongoing oversight or a trustee to manage funds for the pet’s benefit, and probate delays may leave the animal without immediate resources. A pet trust creates a standing structure with enforceable duties, specific funding for care, and named individuals to manage both care and finances. For many owners, combining a will with a pet trust — for example, using a pour-over will to move assets into a pet trust after probate — provides the best balance between simplicity and reliability. This approach reduces the chance of delay and creates a clear path for funds and instructions to be followed promptly by the caregiver and trustee.
Determining how much to allocate depends on the pet’s age, expected lifespan, typical veterinary costs, and any ongoing medical needs. Consider routine expenses such as food, grooming, and preventive care, as well as an emergency fund for unexpected treatments. Reviewing recent veterinary bills and obtaining estimates for future likely procedures can help form a realistic budget. Including a modest cushion for inflation and unforeseen medical advances is prudent. The trustee can be given discretion to use funds for reasonable expenses as defined in the trust, and owners often specify a remaining-funds directive in case the pet dies with money still in the trust. Regularly reviewing and updating funding levels helps ensure the trust remains adequate over time.
Yes, pet trusts are expressly recognized under California law, which provides a legal framework for creating and enforcing trusts for the care of companion animals. The statute allows owners to create trusts that benefit animals and provides guidance on trustee responsibilities and enforcement. This statutory recognition makes pet trusts a reliable planning tool for California residents wishing to secure care for their animals. Because statutory details and procedural expectations can affect document drafting, it is useful to prepare trusts that align with state requirements and common practices. Proper drafting minimizes the potential for challenges and ensures trustees and caregivers have a clear roadmap to follow when administering the trust.
Pet trusts can be drafted to allow for future veterinary treatments and advances by giving trustees discretionary authority to approve reasonable and medically recommended procedures. The trust language can define the level of care you expect, whether you authorize advanced treatments, and any financial limits or priorities the trustee should follow when deciding on costly interventions. Careful drafting balances the desire to provide the best possible medical care with practical funding limits. Owners may direct the trustee to obtain veterinary opinions, consider quality-of-life factors, and consult with named caregivers before approving major treatments. Clear instructions help trustees and caregivers make decisions consistent with your values while providing necessary flexibility for evolving medical options.
A pour-over will is a will that transfers any assets not previously placed into a trust into that trust upon death. It acts as a safety net to ensure assets intended for the trust are not left out of the arrangement due to oversight or timing. Using a pour-over will alongside a pet trust ensures that funds are ultimately available to the trust even if they were not moved during the owner’s lifetime. While a pour-over will helps capture overlooked assets, relying solely on it can delay access to funds because probate may be required. For immediate liquidity, direct funding during life or beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement plans can be preferable. Combining methods balances convenience with reliability.
Review your pet trust at least every few years and after major life events such as moves, changes in caregivers, significant shifts in your financial situation, or changes in your pet’s health. Periodic reviews confirm that caregiver and trustee choices remain appropriate, funding levels are sufficient, and care instructions are current. Keeping records up to date prevents surprises and ensures the plan performs as intended when it is needed. Additionally, consider a formal review if veterinary costs rise significantly or new medical needs arise for your pet. Updating documents to reflect current circumstances and communicating changes to named caregivers and trustees maintain clarity and reduce the chance of disputes or administrative delays when the trust must be implemented.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas